Vij's Rangoli for Vegetarian Celebratory Dinner?

[1newyorkguy]

Looking for a exciting, tasty vegetarian food for a birthday dinner. We are students so I'm thinking Rangoli over regular Vij's to save on $$? Is Rangoli a top choice?

[starlady]

Heirloom?
Acorn - although no reso's?

[1newyorkguy]

Have tried Acorn..found it to be good but not priced right. I think we are going to New Novelty on Fraser.

[1newyorkguy]

We went to New Novelty and it was very good!

[grayelf]

Not familiar with New Novelty -- can you provide any details, 1newyorkguy?

[1newyorkguy]

Sure..Fraser and 50th. They have a 9 dollar lunch buffet I definitely will be going to.

It is run by two sisters, one of them cooks in the back and was taught by her mom. They make everything in house. Counters full of indian sweets that they were kind enough to let me sample. The garlic naan was fantastic, so was the malai kofta (sp?)..vegetable balls with some type of flour and lightly fried and in a sauce similar to butter chicken sauce. Fish pakora had quality pieces of fish and were tasty, but lacked the crunch I hoped for--maybe they had been fried earlier and reheated in the oven? Mango lassis were quite nice. I'd pass on the samosas, freshly fried but were blandly uniform inside--just potato. Our other entree was chana masala (chick peas)..they were good but not as a big a hit as the uber-rich kofta. We also had pulao rice (sp?) which is basmati rice that's been jazzed up a bit.

After tax and tip it was a little under $60, we were too stuffed and had left overs. It took us an hour from hastings sunrise by bus, but will definitely be going back often (especially for the buffet which I hear is good) once we move closer to Kensington Cedar Cottage.

Side note, on the walk to the bus at 49th and fraser, we picked up some incredible scents coming out of a bakery. I didn't get the name, but after some yelp research it looks like it was Breka? Bakery?

[grayelf]

Thanks for the deets, that malai kofta sounds worthy indeed. If you hit Breka, get yourself a biesenstich (bee sting) cake whole to go. It's the only thing I buy there but it is delicious and very reasonably priced.

[Beach Chick]

Love love love Vij's..

[1newyorkguy]

love Rangoli as well?

[grayelf]

Rangoli used to be better IMO. Still okay but wouldn't pick it for a celebration regardless. Is the Parker too pricey for your budget? I think it is more festive and has lovely cocktails too. Clientele and ambience there would be more to your demographic also if that matters.

[1newyorkguy]

Don't really care about the clientele..but the Parker menu does look good.

[jmil]

Saravanaa Bahvan might be an option for you also

[1newyorkguy]

Yup, been to S. Bahvan and really enjoy the buffet. Was hoping for something new, and even better for my bday.

[Sam Salmon]

Very small menu @ Rangoli and the overpriced food is so/so.

[1newyorkguy]

Yeah, yet looks like a value compared to Vij's. Any other recommendations? I'm open to anything priced right and very tasty for vegetarians. I enjoyed some of the stuff I got on East is East's all you can eat deal.